fatalism
UK: ˈfeɪtəlɪzəm | US: ˈfeɪtəlɪzəm
n. the belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable, often attributed to fate or destiny
n. a passive acceptance of events as unavoidable
The word "fatalism" combines "fatal," rooted in the Latin concept of fatum (divine prophecy or unchangeable destiny), with "-ism," a suffix signaling a belief system. It reflects the philosophical idea that human agency is powerless against predetermined outcomes, tracing back to ancient discussions on destiny in Stoicism and theology.
His fatalism led him to accept the accident as unavoidable.
The novel explores themes of free will versus fatalism.
She shrugged with fatalism, believing her efforts wouldn’t change the result.
Ancient cultures often embraced fatalism to explain natural disasters.
Critics argue that fatalism discourages proactive problem-solving.